LONDON, Oct 21: Britain’s Heather Watson admits the pain of being snubbed by Andy Murray during the London Olympics has played a significant role in her recent success.

Watson had hoped to play alongside Murray in the Olympic mixed doubles event earlier this year, but the Scot opted to chose Laura Robson as his partner instead and they eventually finished with silver medals.

The 20-year-old has been in red-hot form since the Olympics and she enjoyed a historic breakthrough at the Japan Open last Sunday, when she beat Chang Kai-chen in the final to become the first British woman to win a WTA singles title since Sara Gomer in 1988.

Asked if the Olympic rejection had been a motivating factor in her triumph, Watson told The Observer: “Honestly, yeah. I wanted to play.

“It was the Olympics. I think anyone in my position would have wanted that opportunity. But it was his decision.

“It’s fine. They ended up with a silver medal. That’s brilliant. It’s made me stronger.”—AFP